about 1/3 of a whole, red, yellow and green pepper, diced. (all three kinds)

a bunch of green onions, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)

8 0z cubed mozzarella cheese

8 0z cubed colby/jack cheese

about 6-8 oz of your favorite pasta. I prefer shells. (cooked and drained)

toss drained and cooled pasta with about 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Combine all and toss gently. This is one of those that gets better with age so you can make it the day before. Want it extra special? Try adding some small cubes of pepper jack cheese, or a blended herb and garlic cheese. Also, really goes over well at potlucks etc.! You can easily double or triple the recipe and make a huge batch. Just remember to buy enough Garlic Expressions if you do! The sauce definitely makes this special!

Home grown goodness! This is easy to make ahead. You can make it the day before and keep it refrigerated. This is also the basis for my Italian Pasta Salad.

2 large tomatoes cut up or 1 pint of cherry tomatoes cut in half

3 large cucumbers or about 8-10 unpeeled small pickling type cucumbers, sliced

1 medium size vidalia or sweet onion sliced into rings and cut the rings in half

combine all in a large bowl and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon granulated sugar over all and toss then add

1/2 bottle (it only comes in 1 size) Garlic Expressions salad dressing and marinade. (if you can’t find it google it, its made in perrysburg ohio)

toss together til thoroughly coated and sugar is dissolved. if you keep it overnight in refrigerator you can add more Garlic Expressions if necessary and toss it again. But I normally have to add more of everything because it just doesn’t last in my house!